Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 April 2017 was $3.4 billion. This was an increase of 1.4% compared to March and an increase of 2.1% when compared to the same period last year.

Spending was up in seven of the twelve categories year on year. The category showing the greatest increase in spend was Fuel & Service Stations (+8.5%), while Books & Stationary Stores saw the greatest decrease in spend (-12.4%).

Compared to the previous month, seven categories experienced increases in spend. The largest increase was seen in Department Stores (+16.0%), followed by Recreation & Entertainment (+9.2%) and Clothing & Footwear (+8.8%).